Author Archives: russellmckinney

“You Almost Missed Me”

Posted on March 8, 2023 by russellmckinney

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30, K.J.V.) Dr. Louis Evans was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, California. He used to tell a story about … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Salvation, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mona Lisa

Posted on March 6, 2023 by russellmckinney

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17, N.K.J.V.) In 1911, the famous Mona Lisa painting was stolen from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Complaining, Contentment, Covetousness, God's Love, God's Provision, Grace, Praise, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A True Masterpiece

Posted on March 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

An artist visited a museum where one of his masterpieces was on exhibit. He approached the painting and noticed that the museum had placed one of his earlier, lesser-known works beside it. As he stood there comparing both paintings, he … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Atheism, Belief, Bible Study, Children, Church Attendance, Disappointment, Doubt, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, God's Work, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Salvation, Scripture, Service, The Bible, Trials, Trusting In God, Witnessing, Youth | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Christian’s Paradoxical Life

Posted on March 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them … Continue reading →

Posted in Belief, Brokenness, Current Events, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Evangelism, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Personal Holiness, Salvation, Sanctification, Service, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Missed Opportunities

Posted on February 27, 2023 by russellmckinney

When Alexander Graham Bell was trying to market the telephone, he went to wealthy financier Chauncey DePew and offered him a one-sixth interest in the new invention for the price of $10,000. DePew took a week to consider the offer … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, God's Omnipotence, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Personal Holiness, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Year by Year

Posted on February 24, 2023 by russellmckinney

As the story in 1 Samuel chapter 1 begins, a woman named Hannah is barren. She has a husband, Elkanah, who loves her very much, but she cannot give him children. Perhaps that is why he has a second wife. … Continue reading →

Posted in Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, God's Love, God's Timing, God's Provision, God's Will, Impatience, Needs, Patience, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Close to His Price

Posted on February 22, 2023 by russellmckinney

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Choices, Depravity, Doing Good, Personal Holiness, Sin, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Stretch Your Soul

Posted on February 20, 2023 by russellmckinney

Many years ago The Alabama Baptist ran the following story told by R. Lee Sharpe: I was just a kid. One spring day, father told me to go with him to old man Trussell’s blacksmith shop. He had left a rake and … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Doing Good, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Personal Holiness, Service | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Right Praying in Old Testament Days

Posted on February 18, 2023 by russellmckinney

Who prayed true prayers to the true God in the days of the Old Testament? Well, we must keep in mind that God didn’t reveal Himself in that era as fully as He would in the New Testament era. Therefore, … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Name, Prayer, Scripture, The Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Does a Worm Get Inside an Apple?

Posted on February 16, 2023 by russellmckinney

Most people think the worm burrows down inside the apple from the outside. In actuality, however, the worm was born inside the apple. It’s an interesting process. I’ve read this in various places, but for this post I’ll quote directly … Continue reading →

Posted in Backsliding, Change, Depravity, Rebellion, Salvation, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment